WORCESTER, Mass. — George Lombard Jr. earned a rapid promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after just 20 games at Double-A Somerset this season.

Could he be part of what many believe is a more urgent mindset with the Yankees this season, not afraid of reacting to good performance quickly — whether it’s going with José Caballero at shortstop or Ben Rice getting to play every day once he proved he was dangerous even against left-handed pitching?

He’s now just one promotion — or potential injury — away from The Bronx.

“On paper, that’s what it is,’’ Lombard said Tuesday at Polar Park before SWB faced Triple-A Worcester. “I’m one step away, one promotion away. Your brain knows that. You’re gonna think you’re right there. You never know how your journey is gonna work. I do my best to stay present. I’m here with Scranton now and I’ll do what I can to be a better player and help the team win.”